The Latest: Former South Korean President Park found guilty

SEOUL, Korea, Republic Of — The Latest on the corruption verdict for former South Korean President Park Geun-hye (all times local):

2:45 p.m.

A South Korean judge says former President Park Geun-hye is guilty of abuse of power and coercion.

The verdict came as a Seoul Central District Court judge read a lengthy statement Friday. The sentencing was to follow. Prosecutors have requested a 30-year term.

Park has been held at a detention centre near Seoul since her arrest in March 2017, but she refused to attend Friday’s court session citing sickness.

Park was removed from office early last year following months of massive rallies that saw millions take to the nation’s streets calling for her ouster.

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10:40 a.m.

A South Korean court is set to issue a verdict against disgraced former President Park Geun-hye over a corruption scandal.

Park has been held at a detention centre near Seoul since her arrest in March 2017, after she was removed from office amid months of massive rallies calling for her ouster.

Prosecutors have requested a 30-year prison term on Park, after charging her with colluding with a confidante to take tens of millions of dollars from businesses in bribes and extortion.

The Seoul Central District Court says it plans to issue a verdict on Park on Friday.

Park is a daughter of late dictator Park Chung-hee, who ruled South Korea from 1961-1979.